AAA Batteries: Compatible Cameras

The AAA battery (also known as “Micro” in German) is a standardised cylindrical cell measuring 10.5 mm in diameter and 44.5 mm in length. IEC standard 60086 designates it as R03. The alkaline version is called LR03, the NiMH rechargeable HR03, and ANSI calls it 24A. Nominal voltage is 1.5 V (alkaline, zinc-carbon) or 1.2 V (NiMH rechargeable). Unlike rare specialty cells such as the PX625 or PX27, AAA batteries are sold in every supermarket, drugstore and electronics shop. There are no supply problems with this type.

AAA really took off in the late 1980s, when compact autofocus cameras and the first generation of autofocus SLRs hit the market. Typical models that take 4x AAA include the Nikon F-301 (N2000) and F-501 (N2020), Canon T80, Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 5000 and 7000, Contax 167 MT and ST, Konica FT-1 and the Yashica 107/108/109 Multi Program. Cameras that typically run on 2x AAA include the Olympus Trip AF and AF-10, Minolta X-600, Mamiya U and the GAF Anscomatic series. Popular reusable half-frame cameras such as the Kodak Ektar H35 and H35N, along with the Kodak M35 and Ultra F9, also run on a single AAA. You’ll find the full searchable compatibility list with all 56 models at the top of this page.

For film cameras that run on AAA, there are two sensible options, each with its own pros and cons:

• Alkaline (LR03, 1.5 V): Available everywhere, long shelf life (5–10 years), low price per cell. The downside: voltage drops steadily during discharge, from about 1.6 V down to 0.9 V. Depending on how far the battery has run down, this can cause slight metering errors in cameras with sensitive metering electronics (e.g. Contax 167 MT, Minolta Maxxum 7000).
• NiMH rechargeable (HR03, 1.2 V): Rechargeable, and holds its voltage very steady at around 1.2 V for about 80% of the discharge, which gives you much more consistent meter readings. Modern low self-discharge cells such as Panasonic Eneloop or our Varta AAA 1000 mAh hold their charge for months. They cost more up front, but quickly pay for themselves if you shoot a lot. Every camera listed here copes with the 0.3 V lower voltage without any trouble.

For motor-driven cameras (autofocus SLRs, motorised film advance) we clearly recommend NiMH rechargeables: steady voltage under load and no throwaway waste. For purely electronic cameras without a motor, alkalines make a handy backup when your rechargeables happen to be dead.